Security services are now said to be so concerned about the threat to public health in the UK that government departments have been told to flag up risky articles, Mirror reports.

And the paper claims health chiefs have held emergency meetings over "fake news" about vaccination campaigns being spread.

Public health officials are now investigating whether an outbreak of measles last week in Liverpool and Leeds was fuelled by parents not vaccinating their children because of false information on the web.

Chris Phillips, former National Counter Terrorism Security Office head, told the Mirror: "This is all about destabilisation by external forces.

LEFT TO DIE

NURSERY ROW

"The Russians have long felt that the UK, America and the European Union is a major threat to them so have developed major strategies in how to interfere with politics, policy, and now it seems the interference is impacting on vital decisions in our daily lives.”

Public Health England are urging parents to follow official advice, adding: "We have an exceptional and trusted vaccination programme offered through the NHS for people at every stage of life.

"If you are unsure if you are up to date with all immunisations, speak to your GP or use other trusted sources like the NHS Choices website.”

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